Bacterial sexually transmitted infections II Flashcards
How is syphilis acquired?
Direct contact of mucous membranes
How many people are infected with syphilis every year?
50,000
What is the causative agent of syphilis?
Treponema pallidum
Is treponema pallidum gram negative or gram positive?
Gram negative
What is the shape of treponema pallidum?
Spirochete
Is treponema pallidum sensitive or insensitive to oxygen?
Extremely sensitive
What kind of microscopy is used to visualize treponema pallidum?
Darkfield (or direct fluorescence Ab test)
How is the syphilis lesion described?
- Painless ulcerated papule
2. Indurated (hardened)
When does secondary syphilis manifest?
2-8 weeks post-chancre
What are the symptoms of secondary syphilis?
- Flu-like - sore throat, headache, fever, myalgia, muscle ache, anorexia, lymphadenopathy
- Prominent skin lesions all over body - highly infectious
- Possible raised lesions condylomata lata - in skin folds
How are condylomata lata lesions described?
Soft, flat, moist, pink-tan, papules and nodules
Gummas (granulomatous lesions) are indicative of what stage of syphilis?
Tertiary
What are symptoms of congenital syphilis?
Rhinitis and maculopapular rash developing after birth
What is the diagnosis for syphilis?
- Darkfield / direct fluorescence microscopy
- Ab detection / serology (most common)
- Culture not available
What are nontreponemal tests for syphilis?
Measures antibody directed against cardiolipin
What are treponemal tests for syphilis?
Detect antibody specific to T. pallidum
If a patient with syphilis is treated and then administered a nontreponemal test, will it be positive or negative?
Negative (treponemal test will still be positive)
How is syphilis treated?
- Penicillin
2. Doxycycline or azithromycin if allergic to penicillin